We don’t just look back on the past. We often look down on it, assuming that not only is the past another country, it is a poorer, meaner, primitive place. Not always, though. This morning I went looking for the No case against the 1967 Referendum on Indigenous recognition.
91-year-old organist over morning coffee today when I told him some members of the congregation were going to vote 'No': "But how can they call themselves Christian?" Indeed. If it helps at all, the churches and other faith groups have been pretty solidly campaigning for Yes and while my own congregation is the Liberal Party at Prayer and so has some 'No' votes, my colleagues' congregations all have 'Vote Yes' corflutes on their church buildings.
JB: I turned 18 in 1967 but in those days one had to be 21 to vote so didn’t get to vote in that referendum and my memories of it are dim - so fully submerged from this world was I in the fundamentalism of my Protestant sect - being in this world but not of it. One thing I do recall though were cringeworthy street interviews by supercilious faux BBC-accented ABC reporter asking middle-aged Edna Everage/Les Patterson cut-outs for their opinions - and their generally inarticulate responses - though in line with Dutton, Brandis, Abbott sentiments of these current times. And yet 1967 - 91% Yes! So in fact I am thinking a Yes Win in spite of the loud mouth naysayers. Though there is the Murdoch Boris Brexit and Fox Trump factor at play right here in fair-minded Australia - divisiveness and naysayer are hooks which catch a lot of fish. Your points about Albanese sadly make some sense to me. Yes, it was his first announcement having claimed an admittedly narrow victory but almost his second was The Quad (which always conjures up for me the internal Quadrangle of my university - the grass of which one was only permitted upon graduation days) and AUKUS - cancelling out the goodwill of the first. Then sliding so far up the fundament of the US that his view became locked in with US aggression over the bodies of Ukrainians and in further provoking a non-belligerent China. It makes him appear untrustworthy - handing over our sovereignty to the US - how can he be genuine re The Voice - to be followed by the other two pillars - Treaties and the Truth-telling. And then the outrageous lies of Warren Mundine and Jacinta Price to further muddy the waters. Still, I feel confident - Australians are not as stupid as the Murdoch and Big Miners and most LNP types presume.
Oh, John, I’m too scared to look as well. The scaremongering is a virus. I have felt a bit hopeless and sad about it. It’s so embarrassing that this is a white people run thing again as well… ugh.
But also, I realised how we (me included) tend to rage against the outcome of things we are passionate about, but had done NOTHING to affect the negative outcome. Can I suggest volunteering on the day. We HAVE to be at those voting stations handing out cards and talking to people coming through. I did it in a small town in NSW the year the Wikileaks party tried to get into parliament and it was SO MUCH FUN being the person handing out the cards for the underdogs, watching people’s faces change as they realised who you were supporting, while you’re smiling sweetly. I can highly recommend it. Plus, there might be sausages.
I've found the lack of well... anything from the Yes campaign really depressing. This was such an easy sell and they're screwing it up. Why is it that our progressive party is so totally bumfuzzled when it comes to getting their message out? Do all the PR people work for the conservatives? Probably, if the truth is told. And speaking of the conservatives, wouldn't it have done their re-election hopes more good to be magnanimous and go full bipartisan? Of course that would be too much to hope for from the mob who were trounced by left leaning candidates and said, "We just weren't RIGHT enough!" *facepalm*
Labor's PR folks appear to be so busy railing at the Greens and anyone critical of their constant equivocation and compromise that they have developed a genuine contempt for those commoners attracted to the ideology of fairness and help for the disadvantaged. In my family, I am one step removed from several insiders, and they have worked so hard to convince themselves that their appeasement is the ONLY way, that they are actually frustrated by critics on their own side: if only THEY'D shut up, we could get on with trying to push a few more crumbs off the table.
Every criticism is met by a well-practised line about how anything better just isn't possible. All we get are Tory policies, with a touch of genuine sincerity when we're being told the beatings must continue and the rations must be cut.
In relation to The Voice, I think this explains it: Albo sees his job as only to turn up and make the case. He's like a cut price lawyer suffering imposter syndrome, First Nations folk are the hapless innocent defendants.
At the same time, the ABC has been at pains to interview EVERY first nations opponent of the Voice (RN and Newsradio had at least three that I heard on Tuesday). Which is interesting, because my (old male working class) colleagues are obviously unsure about it, but they all hold prominent in their minds that 'even many aboriginals don't want it' (the reasoning is irrelevant). I notice 'house negro'* Warren Mundine (courtesy of my YouTube ads) has found the same line of attack a useful tool, and again without reasoning as to why. The same ABC news day had some Yes supporters, but interviewed in horse race style, as though the win itself is far more important than any national expression of reconciliation.
I see a 'Yes' vote as a distinct possibility: young (under 35) people who do not speak to pollsters and who do not read newspapers are a very disruptive and little-measured force. Neither ALP, LNP, nor mass media are keen to even acknowledge the existence of a group opposed to rampant corporate interests. But equally I know Australians are, as John so eloquently puts it, 'not blessed with a notable generosity of spirit'.
The Australian character in the post-Howard era is best summarised as trying to appear compassionate whilst always asserting the inevitability and ultimate desirability of cruelty.
My own feelings for what they're worth: I don't care. We are not a decent country, so why should I expect us to pass this? Plenty of First Nations fools are stepping up to be useful idiots. To me, it will just a barometer of how far along the path of generational change we have come.
(* I refer to a Malcolm X speech, easily found and it applies to the man precisely).
"to see whether any spark of regret, shame or self-loathing flickered there"... mmm I'm think probably not. "He will, if he is mindful of consequence" and he needs to remember as someone much cleverer than I quipped this week "The dildo of consequence seldom arrives lubed unfortunately"
The Yes mob are just getting started. Soon there’ll be door knocking and leafleting and conversations. Many many volunteers, reminiscent of the Teal grassroots-style. I too had feeling a bit downhearted. But straight after the date went live, I was flooded with emails from all kinds of YES advocates: unions, sporting clubs, the ALP, church groups, you name it. (Amazingly, none encouraging a No vote.) All had plans ready and racing to motivate the Yes vote.
I’ve asked some of the young ones in my family and wider circle what they think. They roll their eyes at the mere thought of voting against indigenous recognition. To them, it’s an automatic Yes - same as for Marriage Equality. None would ever contemplate voting Liberal. (And I must admit few were for Labor either- look out, ALP!) Nobody polls these kids as far as I can tell so I’d say they are an unknown quantity for the likes of Dutton. But he seems blissfully unaware of how engaged they are, especially on what we used to call “civil liberties”. The Live and Let Live mantra is strong and unquestionable.
Agree. Was in front of a class of 15 year olds a couple of weeks ago and they brought up the topic. They assumed that, because I'm old, I will be a 'no' supporter (ageism is rife every which way, it seems). In the class, the majority said they're for the "Yes", one said "No", and about a third were quiet (probably hadn't thought about it). If that's a reflection of their parents' conversations, I'd feel more hopeful.
Back in 2002 myself along with a bunch of crazy theatre colleagues created the show the Waiting Room, (Platform 27 & Melbourne Worker's Theatre at Melbourne Trades Hall) about what was actually happening in dentention centres and the politics and lies re refugees. It was the first (Or one of the first) proferssional theatre company theatre projects to deal with this. Yes we copped a ton of flak, but 2 years before that when I came up with the idea it was because I realised someone must speak for those that had no voice. I always thought that once Australians realise what is really going on they will be so horrified and outraged that they will demand change and things will improve. What came next left me gob smacked and I haven't been able to look at Australia the same way since. I know cyncism is the enemy of hope yadda fucking yadda, so I hope others, unlike me, have the hope and energy I am struggling to find, I will vote Yes of course, because it is the right thing to do. (also like many others here, the unpolled voices of the younglings give me hope.
A Qld chippie who is helping me build a fence is voting No because, apparently, a farmer in WA who wants to plant trees on his land has to pay an aboriginal group $2.5M to do so. FMD.
... and a busy industry pumps out little faux facts they can chew like cud. Don't you know Covid only got spread through Melbourne because of a climate rally (or was it a Me Too rally? Or a BLM rally?).
The government seems to have put a completely half arsed effort into this. Albo did say from the start that the government wouldn't be campaigning for yes, and he has been a man of his word. Completely stupid position to take, but at least honest.
I despair at the nonsense which some otherwise usually sensible friends and neighbours are coming out with. Stupid must be catching here in Queensland. My South African pentecostal neighbours for once agree with my long time left wing friend in saying The Voice will bring in "apartheid". So what has it been the last 200 years or so? I live in hope that Australia really isn't that cruel, or at least not in large enough numbers.
Have a great trip JB. Don't spend too much of it worrying about us, we can wait. Have a memorable and joyous celebration of your anniversary.
As someone who grew up in South Africa, those 'No' campaign apartheid comparisons sh*t me for 2 reasons: (1) they're complete BS; (2) for damn sure most of those people prob thought apartheid was quite ok
Teachings of Christ you will note is not something within the ambit or remit of the Pentecultists - that's all about Prosperity Theology - if God had loved First Australians surely He'd have let them be born of the paler shade of skin - or if one is poor - then clearly He has withdrawn His Love - part of that same unholy equation. The hallelujah shouting and the arms waving in babblemania are all about self - the greedy individual trumps those who think it more blessed to give than to take!
I watched the channel 7 news on the night of the 14th to see what they might say on this matter. It was fairly neutral and I am very happy that they explained to the punters that the fine for not voting in a referendum is $20. I am hoping that the soft nos will think it's worth $20 to just stay at home.
The left keep making the same mistake. It's so tedious. Ignoring anyone who doesn't agree with them 100%. Considering them 'deplorables'. Ignoring their questions, fears, opinions, wants and needs. There's an First Nations No campaign mostly based on the fact that so many people were ignored in the formation of the Voice. They have severe, and warranted, reservations about the effectiveness of the Voice - how little power it has, how the government can ignore it with impunity. How it can very easily turn out to be a whole lot of nothing much. It has all the hallmarks of "Something must be done. This is something. Let's do it." And yes, as bloody fucking usual, the Left have got this group even further offside by a combination of ignoring them, patronising them, grouping them with the racist No campaign,. Now their backs are up, there's very little hope First Nations No campaigners can be persuaded to change their mind. If their concerns had been addressed in the beginning, the campaign would be in a different state now.
I will vote Yes for the Voice in the hope that it can be used to effect real change, because it has the potential to do so. And in the hope it'll be the shot of hope we desperately need. But that's when the hard work will start to ensure that it's taken seriously by the government of the day. That governments are held to account and forced to justify their decisions to ignore the Voice's recommendations. If there is no formal obligation for the government to do so, then they should be forced by other means - media campaigns, formal protests, etc. There must be comprehensive and public support for the Voice by people and organisations of influence that can hold the government to account.
I lived in HCMC for 10 years and Hanoi for 5 years so wish you well in your travels there John. Apocalypse Now is in its 25th iteration and I've got the t-shirt(s) to prove it. Still rolling on at No. 2 Thi Sac if you're in the mood.
I've just finished a close read of the EAC pamphlet on the Referendum choice and am not feeling too chipper on "Yes" getting up. This has been thrashed to death but the reference to "Executive Government" just opens the floodgates too wide for the average punter to swallow. A great step in principle in the right direction but not enough clarity to get it over the line? Time will tell.
Moving on. Putting aside Cambodia as a primo geographical location for mayhem and chaos, Vietnam, with its not too recent history makes a good backdrop for fully loaded and god driven dude to balance things up. Exceptional backdrops of limestone mountains, pristine beaches, and dragonfruit plantations are available.
I'm thinking a snatch corpse raid on the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum in Hanoi by GRU agents (for reasons not yet explained) rudely interrupted by our intrepid agent.
#notmyABC actually gave some pro-yes information in the last few days. I was so surprised because the endless parade of members of the former government spouting "NO" seems to be getting all the coverage. It's been depressing but I'm not giving up yet!
My wife and I went to Queensland to live because of the weather and returned to SA after ten years because of the rednecks. It's bloody cold down here but civilised. That said, I think the rednecks as described by you mainly live in the National Party & One Nation rabbit hole. The Nationals are a lost cause in so many respects. However, there are some good Liberals up there, as there are elsewhere, who plan to vote yes. Even Malcolm Turnbull has done a double backflip with pike on the issue. We need more of them out there spruiking the yes vote jimmying up Albo's lacklustre troops.
91-year-old organist over morning coffee today when I told him some members of the congregation were going to vote 'No': "But how can they call themselves Christian?" Indeed. If it helps at all, the churches and other faith groups have been pretty solidly campaigning for Yes and while my own congregation is the Liberal Party at Prayer and so has some 'No' votes, my colleagues' congregations all have 'Vote Yes' corflutes on their church buildings.
This gives me hope.
Another elderly man wearing a very stylish ‘Yes’ lapel badge at church yesterday. Even in North Balwyn there are ‘Yes’ voters.
JB: I turned 18 in 1967 but in those days one had to be 21 to vote so didn’t get to vote in that referendum and my memories of it are dim - so fully submerged from this world was I in the fundamentalism of my Protestant sect - being in this world but not of it. One thing I do recall though were cringeworthy street interviews by supercilious faux BBC-accented ABC reporter asking middle-aged Edna Everage/Les Patterson cut-outs for their opinions - and their generally inarticulate responses - though in line with Dutton, Brandis, Abbott sentiments of these current times. And yet 1967 - 91% Yes! So in fact I am thinking a Yes Win in spite of the loud mouth naysayers. Though there is the Murdoch Boris Brexit and Fox Trump factor at play right here in fair-minded Australia - divisiveness and naysayer are hooks which catch a lot of fish. Your points about Albanese sadly make some sense to me. Yes, it was his first announcement having claimed an admittedly narrow victory but almost his second was The Quad (which always conjures up for me the internal Quadrangle of my university - the grass of which one was only permitted upon graduation days) and AUKUS - cancelling out the goodwill of the first. Then sliding so far up the fundament of the US that his view became locked in with US aggression over the bodies of Ukrainians and in further provoking a non-belligerent China. It makes him appear untrustworthy - handing over our sovereignty to the US - how can he be genuine re The Voice - to be followed by the other two pillars - Treaties and the Truth-telling. And then the outrageous lies of Warren Mundine and Jacinta Price to further muddy the waters. Still, I feel confident - Australians are not as stupid as the Murdoch and Big Miners and most LNP types presume.
I hope so
Well said.
But non aggressive china i don't know about that.
What are trade sanctions & free navigation issues or belt & road.
Product dumping.
Fishery incursions if not aggressive what are they?
Oh, John, I’m too scared to look as well. The scaremongering is a virus. I have felt a bit hopeless and sad about it. It’s so embarrassing that this is a white people run thing again as well… ugh.
But also, I realised how we (me included) tend to rage against the outcome of things we are passionate about, but had done NOTHING to affect the negative outcome. Can I suggest volunteering on the day. We HAVE to be at those voting stations handing out cards and talking to people coming through. I did it in a small town in NSW the year the Wikileaks party tried to get into parliament and it was SO MUCH FUN being the person handing out the cards for the underdogs, watching people’s faces change as they realised who you were supporting, while you’re smiling sweetly. I can highly recommend it. Plus, there might be sausages.
I've found the lack of well... anything from the Yes campaign really depressing. This was such an easy sell and they're screwing it up. Why is it that our progressive party is so totally bumfuzzled when it comes to getting their message out? Do all the PR people work for the conservatives? Probably, if the truth is told. And speaking of the conservatives, wouldn't it have done their re-election hopes more good to be magnanimous and go full bipartisan? Of course that would be too much to hope for from the mob who were trounced by left leaning candidates and said, "We just weren't RIGHT enough!" *facepalm*
Bumfuzzled :)
:)
:)
Labor's PR folks appear to be so busy railing at the Greens and anyone critical of their constant equivocation and compromise that they have developed a genuine contempt for those commoners attracted to the ideology of fairness and help for the disadvantaged. In my family, I am one step removed from several insiders, and they have worked so hard to convince themselves that their appeasement is the ONLY way, that they are actually frustrated by critics on their own side: if only THEY'D shut up, we could get on with trying to push a few more crumbs off the table.
Every criticism is met by a well-practised line about how anything better just isn't possible. All we get are Tory policies, with a touch of genuine sincerity when we're being told the beatings must continue and the rations must be cut.
In relation to The Voice, I think this explains it: Albo sees his job as only to turn up and make the case. He's like a cut price lawyer suffering imposter syndrome, First Nations folk are the hapless innocent defendants.
At the same time, the ABC has been at pains to interview EVERY first nations opponent of the Voice (RN and Newsradio had at least three that I heard on Tuesday). Which is interesting, because my (old male working class) colleagues are obviously unsure about it, but they all hold prominent in their minds that 'even many aboriginals don't want it' (the reasoning is irrelevant). I notice 'house negro'* Warren Mundine (courtesy of my YouTube ads) has found the same line of attack a useful tool, and again without reasoning as to why. The same ABC news day had some Yes supporters, but interviewed in horse race style, as though the win itself is far more important than any national expression of reconciliation.
I see a 'Yes' vote as a distinct possibility: young (under 35) people who do not speak to pollsters and who do not read newspapers are a very disruptive and little-measured force. Neither ALP, LNP, nor mass media are keen to even acknowledge the existence of a group opposed to rampant corporate interests. But equally I know Australians are, as John so eloquently puts it, 'not blessed with a notable generosity of spirit'.
The Australian character in the post-Howard era is best summarised as trying to appear compassionate whilst always asserting the inevitability and ultimate desirability of cruelty.
My own feelings for what they're worth: I don't care. We are not a decent country, so why should I expect us to pass this? Plenty of First Nations fools are stepping up to be useful idiots. To me, it will just a barometer of how far along the path of generational change we have come.
(* I refer to a Malcolm X speech, easily found and it applies to the man precisely).
"to see whether any spark of regret, shame or self-loathing flickered there"... mmm I'm think probably not. "He will, if he is mindful of consequence" and he needs to remember as someone much cleverer than I quipped this week "The dildo of consequence seldom arrives lubed unfortunately"
I blame John Howard for this.
The Yes mob are just getting started. Soon there’ll be door knocking and leafleting and conversations. Many many volunteers, reminiscent of the Teal grassroots-style. I too had feeling a bit downhearted. But straight after the date went live, I was flooded with emails from all kinds of YES advocates: unions, sporting clubs, the ALP, church groups, you name it. (Amazingly, none encouraging a No vote.) All had plans ready and racing to motivate the Yes vote.
I’ve asked some of the young ones in my family and wider circle what they think. They roll their eyes at the mere thought of voting against indigenous recognition. To them, it’s an automatic Yes - same as for Marriage Equality. None would ever contemplate voting Liberal. (And I must admit few were for Labor either- look out, ALP!) Nobody polls these kids as far as I can tell so I’d say they are an unknown quantity for the likes of Dutton. But he seems blissfully unaware of how engaged they are, especially on what we used to call “civil liberties”. The Live and Let Live mantra is strong and unquestionable.
So…I have hope. ❤️💛🖤 #Yes23 (*trending*) 🎉
Agree. Was in front of a class of 15 year olds a couple of weeks ago and they brought up the topic. They assumed that, because I'm old, I will be a 'no' supporter (ageism is rife every which way, it seems). In the class, the majority said they're for the "Yes", one said "No", and about a third were quiet (probably hadn't thought about it). If that's a reflection of their parents' conversations, I'd feel more hopeful.
Back in 2002 myself along with a bunch of crazy theatre colleagues created the show the Waiting Room, (Platform 27 & Melbourne Worker's Theatre at Melbourne Trades Hall) about what was actually happening in dentention centres and the politics and lies re refugees. It was the first (Or one of the first) proferssional theatre company theatre projects to deal with this. Yes we copped a ton of flak, but 2 years before that when I came up with the idea it was because I realised someone must speak for those that had no voice. I always thought that once Australians realise what is really going on they will be so horrified and outraged that they will demand change and things will improve. What came next left me gob smacked and I haven't been able to look at Australia the same way since. I know cyncism is the enemy of hope yadda fucking yadda, so I hope others, unlike me, have the hope and energy I am struggling to find, I will vote Yes of course, because it is the right thing to do. (also like many others here, the unpolled voices of the younglings give me hope.
PS: All spot on JB
Admirable engagement in advocacy, Rik.
Cheers
A Qld chippie who is helping me build a fence is voting No because, apparently, a farmer in WA who wants to plant trees on his land has to pay an aboriginal group $2.5M to do so. FMD.
Sigh.
My thoughts exactly.
I heard about this one as well. Also something about not being able to put in fenceposts, or do anything else that is more than 6" below the surface.
Sounds like complete bullshit to me, but hey! Racists gotta racist.
... and a busy industry pumps out little faux facts they can chew like cud. Don't you know Covid only got spread through Melbourne because of a climate rally (or was it a Me Too rally? Or a BLM rally?).
Yeah I just heard from an in law that some bloke in QLD has to pay some non descript Indigenous people $10 per hole he digs on his land.
The government seems to have put a completely half arsed effort into this. Albo did say from the start that the government wouldn't be campaigning for yes, and he has been a man of his word. Completely stupid position to take, but at least honest.
I despair at the nonsense which some otherwise usually sensible friends and neighbours are coming out with. Stupid must be catching here in Queensland. My South African pentecostal neighbours for once agree with my long time left wing friend in saying The Voice will bring in "apartheid". So what has it been the last 200 years or so? I live in hope that Australia really isn't that cruel, or at least not in large enough numbers.
Have a great trip JB. Don't spend too much of it worrying about us, we can wait. Have a memorable and joyous celebration of your anniversary.
As someone who grew up in South Africa, those 'No' campaign apartheid comparisons sh*t me for 2 reasons: (1) they're complete BS; (2) for damn sure most of those people prob thought apartheid was quite ok
I can only assume from the description that this means your neighbours are very much in favour.
In favour of voting No. Not exactly Christian, though following the teachings of Christ doesn't seem to be a trait of the Pentecostals these days.
Teachings of Christ you will note is not something within the ambit or remit of the Pentecultists - that's all about Prosperity Theology - if God had loved First Australians surely He'd have let them be born of the paler shade of skin - or if one is poor - then clearly He has withdrawn His Love - part of that same unholy equation. The hallelujah shouting and the arms waving in babblemania are all about self - the greedy individual trumps those who think it more blessed to give than to take!
If they'd been there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, they'd have been throwing rocks at the bearded guy.
JB one can only hope that the more enlightened states & territories rise above the current rhetoric being used to scare and do the right thing.
On another note I have to say that:
I refute the allegation that I as a Yorkshireman became comfortable with sitting in my own urine & faeces, I never became comfortable with it :-)
Enjoying the book though!
I watched the channel 7 news on the night of the 14th to see what they might say on this matter. It was fairly neutral and I am very happy that they explained to the punters that the fine for not voting in a referendum is $20. I am hoping that the soft nos will think it's worth $20 to just stay at home.
The left keep making the same mistake. It's so tedious. Ignoring anyone who doesn't agree with them 100%. Considering them 'deplorables'. Ignoring their questions, fears, opinions, wants and needs. There's an First Nations No campaign mostly based on the fact that so many people were ignored in the formation of the Voice. They have severe, and warranted, reservations about the effectiveness of the Voice - how little power it has, how the government can ignore it with impunity. How it can very easily turn out to be a whole lot of nothing much. It has all the hallmarks of "Something must be done. This is something. Let's do it." And yes, as bloody fucking usual, the Left have got this group even further offside by a combination of ignoring them, patronising them, grouping them with the racist No campaign,. Now their backs are up, there's very little hope First Nations No campaigners can be persuaded to change their mind. If their concerns had been addressed in the beginning, the campaign would be in a different state now.
I will vote Yes for the Voice in the hope that it can be used to effect real change, because it has the potential to do so. And in the hope it'll be the shot of hope we desperately need. But that's when the hard work will start to ensure that it's taken seriously by the government of the day. That governments are held to account and forced to justify their decisions to ignore the Voice's recommendations. If there is no formal obligation for the government to do so, then they should be forced by other means - media campaigns, formal protests, etc. There must be comprehensive and public support for the Voice by people and organisations of influence that can hold the government to account.
I lived in HCMC for 10 years and Hanoi for 5 years so wish you well in your travels there John. Apocalypse Now is in its 25th iteration and I've got the t-shirt(s) to prove it. Still rolling on at No. 2 Thi Sac if you're in the mood.
I've just finished a close read of the EAC pamphlet on the Referendum choice and am not feeling too chipper on "Yes" getting up. This has been thrashed to death but the reference to "Executive Government" just opens the floodgates too wide for the average punter to swallow. A great step in principle in the right direction but not enough clarity to get it over the line? Time will tell.
Moving on. Putting aside Cambodia as a primo geographical location for mayhem and chaos, Vietnam, with its not too recent history makes a good backdrop for fully loaded and god driven dude to balance things up. Exceptional backdrops of limestone mountains, pristine beaches, and dragonfruit plantations are available.
I'm thinking a snatch corpse raid on the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum in Hanoi by GRU agents (for reasons not yet explained) rudely interrupted by our intrepid agent.
#notmyABC actually gave some pro-yes information in the last few days. I was so surprised because the endless parade of members of the former government spouting "NO" seems to be getting all the coverage. It's been depressing but I'm not giving up yet!
My wife and I went to Queensland to live because of the weather and returned to SA after ten years because of the rednecks. It's bloody cold down here but civilised. That said, I think the rednecks as described by you mainly live in the National Party & One Nation rabbit hole. The Nationals are a lost cause in so many respects. However, there are some good Liberals up there, as there are elsewhere, who plan to vote yes. Even Malcolm Turnbull has done a double backflip with pike on the issue. We need more of them out there spruiking the yes vote jimmying up Albo's lacklustre troops.